Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG), in partnership with the Manitoba Government, will hold a ceremony April 12 at 2pm to unveil a quilt created by the families of Manitoba’s missing and murdered aboriginal women. The quilt will be on display this weekend as part of the WAG exhibition Off the Beaten Path: Women, Violence and Art, which runs until April 20.

“The pain these families have endured over the years is hard to understand for most Manitobans”, said Minister Robinson. “The Provincial Government feels it is important that these families be honoured.”

“Through the language of art the WAG has shed light on the difficult subject of violence against women,” said Stephen Borys, WAG Director & CEO. “We are proud to partner with the province in providing a community forum to commemorate these women.”

The idea for the quilt was conceived at “Wiping away the Tears,” an annual meeting where families of victims gather to heal, and spearheaded by Nahanni Fontaine, the Province’s Special Advisor on Aboriginal Women’s Issues. As part of the healing process, family members designed their own patches that were made into a quilt.

”We are pleased to partner with the Winnipeg Art Gallery as part of their international exhibit Off the Beaten Path: Violence, Women and Art “ said Fontaine, noting the quilt will travel to several communities following its display at WAG.

Off the Beaten Path: Violence, Women and Art is a compelling exhibition curated and organized through Art Works for Change, an organization whose mission is to harness the transformative power of art to promote awareness, provoke dialogue and inspire action. Through this exhibition, Art Works for Change is bringing much needed attention to the violence experienced by women world-wide.

Blankets are traditionally given to grieving families as a symbol of community support, caring, and love in moments of mourning and loss. This particular quilt wall hanging will give members of the public a glimpse into the families’ trauma, pain, resiliency and unconditional love for their honored missing or murdered loved ones.

“The Government of Manitoba will continue to stand with these brave families who have used art as a way to both heal their pain, and to bring light to this national tragedy,” said Minister Eric Robinson. “We commend the Winnipeg Art Gallery for its support in ensuring visitors to this important exhibition this weekend will have a chance to see the quilt and contemplate the stories of tragedy and healing behind it.”

After the unveiling, guests are more than welcome to visit the Off the Beaten Path: Violence, Women and Art exhibition at the Winnipeg Art Gallery for free.

The Winnipeg Art Gallery is a cultural advocate – a lens and forum – helping people see and experience more through art. Playing a vital role in the community, engaging and enriching people of all ages and backgrounds through art and culture, the Winnipeg Art Gallery thrives as a creative, innovative, and accessible place for learning, discovery, and inspiration.